Legg Mason, a US-based asset management firm, has appointed Laura Zimmerman as head of marketing and product for its US based operations.

Ms Zimmerman will oversee the development and execution of brand and marketing strategy, and investment, and retirement solutions for Legg Mason’s Americas division. She will be based in Stamford, Connecticut.

Ms Zimmerman has more than 20 years experience in financial services, leading marketing, strategy and business development for large-scale firms. Most recently, she spent 14 years with Allstate Financial, a division of the Allstate Insurance Company (or a holding company of Allstate

Corporation), where she served as chief strategy officer.

Previously, Ms Zimmerman held progressively senior leadership positions at American Express Financial, now Ameriprise Financial, including chief marketing officer of American Enterprise Life. She began her career at Leo Burnett Worldwide.

Ms Zimmerman said: “Legg Mason enjoys a rich history of serving investors and proven investment expertise. I am eager to build on this strong tradition by helping leverage the brand’s potential across multiple market segments and deliver a meaningful and memorable customer experience.”